Is astrology a true science and factual way of thinking, or is it a celestial way of life? There seems to be a running question in society about the use of astrology and the truth behind it. Horoscope apps like Co-Star have a big presence on app stores, leading people to learn about their astrological sign efficiently.
Britannica’s definition states, “Astrology, a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. Devotees believe that an understanding of the influence of the planets and stars on earthly affairs allows them to both predict and affect the destinies of individuals, groups, and nations.”
According to Scientific American’s website, “As many as 70 million Americans read their horoscopes daily. Well, that’s at least according to the American Federation of Astrologers. According to a study done twenty years ago by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 25 percent of Americans believed that the positions of the stars and the planets affect our daily lives.”
Keene State students were asked if they thought astrology was a fact or fiction.
Some Keene State students said they felt that astrology is very captivating and fun to look at.
“I think it’s fascinating to me and I know that I am an Aries in sun, moon and rising. I am interested in astrology and I would say I’m in between if it is real,” said junior Jackson Caffrey.
Junior Amanda Rotigliano said, “I think it’s a mixture of fact and fiction since some things line up and make me think it’s a fact, but some things don’t line up and can’t be real.”
“I like looking into it and seeing if it relates to me and that the sky is on the same page as me,” continued Rotigliano.
Other students were unsure if they believed in it, but they enjoyed looking into their horoscope.
“I’m not super into it but some of the stuff I read about, it clocks me. I have Co-Star, but I am not on it 24/7, but the affirmations it gives sometimes don’t pertain to me,” said first-year Gracie Audet.
Sophomore Emma Heimer said, “Honestly, I think I really don’t know. I wouldn’t say I believe in it, but I like looking into it because things align sometimes and it makes sense.”
One student felt that astrology is fiction.
“It’s fiction. But I don’t know because I think you make the categories and you look for where you fit in perfectly, and you ignore the things that do not help the narrative of where you fit in perfectly,” said first-year student Matthew Silvestri.
In the end, there is still a running debate about whether or not astrology is a fact or fiction, but curiosity around the topic still remains.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
